You be the judge for agricultural products

KATIE COSTIKElwin Steward, from the department of plant pathology at Penn State University, judges mead entries at the Farm Show

KATIE COSTIKA bee hive beeswax mold is displayed and judged at this year's show

The day before doors to the 92nd Pennsylvania State Farm Show officially opened, the complex was filled with sounds of farmers unloading and caring for their animals. This clamor disappeared, however, as one stepped through doors to Maclay Lobby. Here, on the east side of the building, judges were hard at work in rooms that smell of warm honey, tantalizing maple sugar products and tangy pine trees.

Apiary Judge Dean Burroughs has judged artistic beeswax sculptures for six years in states including Maryland and Delaware. According to Burroughs, some of waxwork sculpture entries he sees at competitions are eye catching. Beeswax creations entered at the Farm Show are Christmas ornaments, imitation beehives, even an entire miniature nativity scene.

KATIE COSTIK, photographer, has attended the Farm Show for 17 years

BRITTANY STONER, writer, like sto listen to musicals in French

Imagination is not the only factor in entries. Dedication and patience also play important parts. To be considered perfect, a piece must be a light, canary yellow with no cracks, blemishes or particles from a mold or surrounding environment.

Beehive owner Stewart Mathias was not content with his wax imitation hive until he had poured it for the 11th time. The piece had to harden overnight after each attempt.

In addition to beeswax, apiary judges evaluated baked goods containing honey. These delicious-looking dishes ranged included baklava, scones, breads and pies. Judge Judy Kennedy graded plates according to taste, texture and initial attractiveness or how appealing they look to eat.

Maple sugar products are also judged and on display in the Maclay Lobby. Judge Robert Leab commented that one can make virtually anything with maple sugar - possibilities stretch "as far as the imagination can go." Producers enter products like lip balm, mustard and peanuts in addition to traditional maple syrup. Sugary substances are graded on several factors including color and flavor.

A large number of Christmas trees were brought to the Farm Show, making a miniature forest from which judges select the best in each category. Criteria includes stiffness of branches, texture, color and overall appearance.

Tree types included Douglas and Fraser firs, and most were around eight to nine years old. Growers dedicate time and money to fertilize and care for trees over the years. On Saturday and Sunday, guests to the Farm Show vote for which tree they think is best of show.

Producers commented that this year contained more challenges than others. Viruses attacked beehives, and adverse weather conditions affected sap production.

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